Face Values Showcase Success

On the 11th May 2017 young people, parents, staff, trustees and partners came together to celebrate the launch of the Face Values film which had been created over a 5 month period with participants at the Family and Child Empowerment (FACES) project.

The Family and Child Empowerment (FACES) project is a partnership in Northern Ireland between Extern, Ascert and the Education Authority. This vital early intervention service is actually saving lives in Belfast. FACES assists with accessing employment training, family support services, mental health care, family therapy and counselling, both group and individual.

This project was about giving young people a voice, then clarifying and amplifying that voice. The hope is that this project will connect with other young people joining FACES

At the showcase Extern's Ceri O'Reilly, said: "This has been a special night for a special project. It is not often as youth workers that we get to see the fruits of our labours, but thanks to the honesty of the young people in this video, we got to see that tonight. I would like to commend all those involved in Face Values."

Gary McMichael, Chief Executive Officer of Ascert praised the efforts and honesty of the young people involved: "We are about empowering young people and their families. We all face challenges and it is our aim to support all those involved in our service. I am moved to praise the positive honest contribution made by the young people involved in this media production. This project was about giving young people a voice, then clarifying and amplifying that voice. The hope is that this project will connect with other young people joining FACES."

Jean Walsh of Ascert added: "This video captures why Faces was launched. In sharing their story the young people will help their peers who find themselves in a similar position. Help is always there."

Headliners Trustee, BBC correspondent Maggie Taggart added: "This video gets the message across really well. The young people involved are a credit to their families as well as to themselves."

However the last word should be left to FACES graduate Michael, who revealed: "The Faces project saved my life."

Headliners (UK), an award winning youth charity, is looking for a number of passionate and reliable individuals to motivate, lead and support teams of 15 young people from July to August 2018 on the National Citizen Service (NCS) programme.